Posts Tagged ‘Anzula’

At WEBS, we’ve ramped up our knitting and crochet and are now in prime gift making mode. Here’s a peek at a few of the projects we’ve been busy with or buzzing about making this holiday season.

Great for Any Guy
There’s something extra special about giving someone a hand knit sweater. Sweaters take more time to make than a scarf, mittens or a hat, and they get worn pretty often. Making a sweater for a man can be a tricky task. It can be tough to figure out just what they would actually wear. I got around trying to figure out what he would like by just asking him! I gave my recipient three patterns to chose from, and then let him pick the color for the yarn.

Cashmere for Someone Special
I needed a special gift but one that was quick and easy. I found it in Dream in Color Smooshy with Cashmere yarn Rain Drops Beaded Socks (free pattern on Ravelry!). I chose color 505 Dark Current and matching beads. With the softness of cashmere, the strength of merino wool and nylon, and colors that blend beautifully these socks are beautiful, luxurious and durable. I planned on making only 1 pair, but I love the easy pattern and yarn so much I can’t wait to begin another pair! > Linda B.

A Whimsical Knitted Hat

The Gnomey Earflap Hat makes a great holiday project. Since it only takes 2 balls of Valley Yarns Cold Spring, it’s an affordable way to pamper yourself or a loved one this season. If you’ve never done stranded colorwork before, don’t fear! This hat features a large and easy motif that flies off your needles, and the earflaps are perfect for cold weather. Warm ears, warm heart–isn’t that how the saying goes? > Emma W.

Feminine Lace Shawlette

Shibui Draper is a sweet little shawlette that knits up quickly with just two skeins of the lovely Shibui Staccato. I really enjoyed knitting our store sample. > Greta S.

Simple and Fun to Knit

I love the twist and the silk slubs of The Fibre Copany Acadia and the slighter than dk-gauge this yarn has to offer. The color choices and combinations are intriguing. Knitting the Katahdin Hat was a treat: not only is it a free download pattern, but it offers an interesting technique for striping in the round, one that I had never used. The stripe sequences were seamless, and no “jog” in the stripe when you change colors. The slight slouch to the design is so current and looks adorable. This hat was simple, but fun to make – you will want to make more than one, guaranteed! > N. P.

Wrapped in Love

Anzula Cloud is lofty and squishy in a lovely semi-solid variegation. The Aecor shawl is worked from the center top down with a knitted on border. The drop-in ladies were ooh-ing and aah-ing over this, so I know it’s not just me! > Cara S.

A Touch of Silk and Angora

Simple stranded knitting and fuzzy, luxurious Valley Yarns Sheffield make this Snow Day Hat and Mittens set a really special winter time treat. Since color work is so visually impressive, I think these would make a great gift for knitters and non-knitters alike. > Kirsten H.

1. Anzula Mermaid – A handdyed sea cell and silk blend in generous skeins. Mermaid is a typical Anzula yarn featuring beautiful delicate multi-tonal hand dyed colors. The sheen of this yarn is beyond compare, reflecting the light to deepen the color variation. I’m dying to make a slinky lace something out of this. This would make a mind-melting-ly lovely sweater. > Cara S.

3. The Knitting Book – This new book is a very comprehensive guide. It includes techniques, stitch patterns, and some patterns to knit. It is very nicely illustrated and photographed. > Marion H.

4. More Knit Wits by Katie Boyette – When this book came to my desk, the cover had me hooked right away. The cute and funny monsters and creatures are just begging to be made and added to my collection. Each character has their own personality whether it’s goofy, scary or grouchy! The directions are so clear and even the instructions on how to apply the facial features are step by step and easy to follow. This is a great book to keep on my bookshelf for when I want a fast and fun project. > Grace H.

1. Spud & Chloe at the Farm – This book has all the patterns you need to make your own little farm at home. I can’t even really call them patterns, since they’re so much more than that. Each character comes to life with their own descriptive back story. Aside from the great projects, this book also has a comic-strip style, fun and creative story that appears on each page with wonderful illustrations. The more I look at this book, the more I need to knit a Spud of my very own. > Grace H.

3. One of the most beloved tools that we offer, those who have discovered the benefits of using Highlighter Tape when working with a pattern swear by it. I am always amazed at the simplicity of this product paired with the passion from its users. The next time you are struggling to keep your place in a pattern, think about picking up some highlighter tape! > Kathy E.

4. Anzula Squishy is yet another amazing hand dyed nuanced semi-solid yarn. The hand is heart-stopping-ly similar to Tosh Pashmina or Shalimar Breathless, which must be touched to be believed. Squishy lives up to its name and then some. In preparation for writing this I spent a moment alone with the yarn, choosing my favorites and I simply cannot put the teal back (shocker, I know)! > Cara S.

5. Fishermen’s Sweaters by Alice Starmore – Such an inspiring book of classic, but fascinating sweaters for men, women and children. There are lots of unisex sweaters with simple shapes that highlight special stitchwork. And, oddly enough, I really love the dockside styling that really put the sweaters in context. > Kirsten H.